A Festive Evening With Gourmet Picture Company - Bath

If you read my article regarding the Gourmet Picture Company last month, you'll remember me saying how excited I was to meet top UK chefs, Tom Kerridge and Rick Stein, ahead of their culinary cinema pop-up experiences in Bath this Christmas. Do catch up on that blog post before continuing on here if you haven't checked it out, only because it explains the concept behind what is currently taking place in Royal Victoria Park...

All up to date? Perfect! Well, a wonderfully festive evening awaits us, so let's hurry indoors out of the cold!

Ah, you might have thought about bringing an extra layer or two? Don't panic! The Gourmet Picture Company's marquee is heated and for added comfort and warmth, there are soft, heavy blankets by your two seater sofas too.

I was kindly invited to the opening night of the Gourmet Picture Company screenings in Bath last Thursday. The evening showing of the much-loved classic, Casablanca, was the perfect way to get into the festive spirit for Scott and I. We enjoyed our evening immensely with huge thanks to GPC!

As it was launch night, before the main feature began, we were presented with glasses of bubbly, as well as tasty offerings of popcorn and milk chocolate coins which we found at our in-seat dining trays. In my mind, it's officially Christmas when those irresistibly moreish gold coins come out. I refrained from tucking into them until the interval ;)!

As part of the opening night celebrations, the bar served unlimited alcohol. The menu included sparkling wine, Prosecco, beers, spirits, wines, soft drinks and hot mulled cider.

After opting for a Bath ale and hot mulled cider to enjoy with our meal, we took to our seats.

"I'll have what she's having." Best be quick then, because those tubs of sweet and salty popcorn won't last long, Scott!

Soon after the screening commenced, and whilst getting caught up in the romantic drama between Rick Blaine and his old flame, Ilsa, Scott and I were treated to an absolutely delicious two course meal, curated by Rick Stein. I indulged in the 'Classic Prawn Cocktail' starter whilst Scott sampled the 'Chargrilled Aubergine and Feta Rolls' (V). For our mains, we dined on 'Meen Kulambu (Cod Curry) served with Pilau Rice' (heavenly, take my word!) and 'Madras Curry of Halloumi with Tomato & Tamarind. Served with Pilau Rice, Kachumber Salad & Chapatti' (V). I'm afraid you'll never look at the Odeon's frankfurter hotdogs or nachos in the same way again! It was really fun having the dishes brought to us so we could tuck into the hot food comfortably on our laps and enjoy the movie. Just like you would on a flight, but without the risk of turbulence!

During an interval we feasted on homemade tubs of ice-cream lovingly prepared by chefs at Tom Kerridge's Michelin-starred pub; The Hand & Flowers. With a choice of chocolate, banana or vanilla, what will you be tempted by? Scott went for chocolate and I chose banana (although I think I got served vanilla as I couldn't detect any hint of fruit!) However, both were exceptionally scrumptious and the portion sizes were very generous too. Given the small and overpriced tubs of Ben & Jerry's or Häagen-Dazs you usually purchase during an interval, it was an unexpected surprise to receive such a bountiful helping.

All too soon our evening came to an end. But, we will be revisiting during Christmas week and I cannot wait!

I would definitely recommend taking some much deserved time out in-between wrapping presents, baking mince pies and eating sausage rolls by booking one of the upcoming screenings. Or, even better still, why not treat a loved one or special friend to a ticket as a thoughtful Christmas gift this year? Either way, you can be sure a truly festive and fabulous evening awaits you both. For booking details and the list of forthcoming films in Bath, please head here.

Many thanks again to Gourmet Picture Company and Lotus for inviting me to attend.

*On a separate note, this is me over and out now for Christmas! Thank you if you have taken the time to read this, or any of my prior blog posts this year :) I hope you have enjoyed following my adventures and I look forward to returning in the new year. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2018.